Portland Cement — Complete guide

Portland Cement Morocco — Types, Prices, Standards

Portland cement is the universal hydraulic binder of the construction industry. In Morocco, it comes as CPJ 35, CPJ 45 and CPJ 55 (NM 10.1.004 standard). Composition, types, prices from 70 DH/bag, uses: Dakhla Aménagement (SDAD) produces a high-quality Portland at its Dakhla grinding plant.

Local production

Clinker grinding plant in Dakhla, 500K tons/year capacity

Certified quality

NM 10.1.004 and EN 197-1 compliant — systematic lab tests

Fast delivery

Bulk, 50kg bags, big bag — Southern Morocco + Mauritania

Traceability

Conformity certificates available on request for each batch

What is Portland cement?

Portland cement is a hydraulic binder obtained by finely grinding Portland clinker (a mixture of limestone and clay fired at 1,450 °C) with a small percentage of gypsum that regulates the setting. Invented in 1824 by British engineer Joseph Aspdin — who named it "Portland" after the Portland stone whose color resembled that of hardened concrete — it is now the most widely used cement in the world and accounts for over 90% of global cement production. In Morocco, the NM 10.1.004 standard (aligned with the European EN 197-1 standard) regulates its composition and performance.

On contact with water, Portland cement undergoes an exothermic hydration reaction: calcium silicates (C3S and C2S) form calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) that give concrete its mechanical strength, while tricalcium aluminate (C3A) reacts quickly with gypsum. The result is a stony, durable, compressive-resistant material capable of hardening both underwater and in the open air. This versatility explains its universal use in modern construction.

Composition of Portland cement

The composition of Portland cement varies by class (CEM I, CEM II, CEM III...). In Morocco, Composite Portland cements (CPJ) belong to the CEM II family: they combine a majority Portland clinker (≥ 65%) with mineral additions that improve durability, reduce carbon footprint and lower cost. The table below details the typical composition of a Portland cement under the NM 10.1.004 standard.

ConstituentProportion
Portland clinker65 to 95%
Calcium sulfate (gypsum)0 to 5% (setting regulator)
Limestone additions0 to 35% (filler)
Pozzolanic / slag additions0 to 35%
Minor constituents0 to 5%
Heat of hydrationModerate (CEM II) to high (CEM I)
Reference standardNM 10.1.004 / EN 197-1

Applications of Portland cement

Reinforced concrete, slabs, foundations, civil engineering: Portland cement covers 90% of construction uses in Morocco.

Reinforced concrete

Beams, columns, slabs, walls — residential and commercial structures.

Slabs and screeds

Industrial slabs, parking lots, finishing screeds, concrete floors.

Civil engineering

Bridges, reservoirs, hydraulic works, infrastructure.

Load-bearing masonry

Block walls, tie beams, lintels, economical masonry mortar.

Portland cement price in Morocco

The price of Portland cement in Morocco varies by class (CPJ 35, CPJ 45, CPJ 55), packaging (bulk, 50kg bags, 1T big bag) and ordered volume. At Dakhla Aménagement, the 50 kg bag starts at 70 DH (CPJ 45) and 75 DH (CPJ 55). In bulk (tanker truck, minimum 30T), expect 1,500 DH/T for CPJ 45 and 1,600 DH/T for CPJ 55. The 1T big bag is available from 1,580 DH/T. These ex-works Dakhla prices are volume-degressive; for a delivered-to-site price, request a free quote — response within 24h.

Beyond the per-kilo price, choosing the right type of Portland cement directly influences the overall project cost: a well-dosed CPJ 45 (350 kg/m³) covers 80% of residential and commercial needs, without unnecessary overcost linked to a CPJ 55 reserved for highly stressed structures. Our technical team advises you on the optimal dosage and the most economical packaging for your site.

Why choose Dakhla Aménagement (SDAD)?

  • Local production in Dakhla — reduced delivery times and transport costs for Southern Morocco
  • Systematic lab quality control before shipment (strength, fineness, setting, stability)
  • NM 10.1.004 and EN 197-1 conformity certificates available on request
  • Three packaging options: bulk (≥30T), 50kg bags (1T pallet), 1T big bag
  • Volume discounts — ideal for construction companies and large sites
  • Delivery across Southern Morocco (Dakhla, Laayoune, Boujdour, Tan-Tan) and Mauritania

Frequently asked questions about Portland cement

What is the difference between CEM I and CEM II (CPJ)?

CEM I is a pure Portland cement containing at least 95% clinker, providing maximum strength and fast hardening, but more expensive and energy-intensive. CEM II — designated CPJ (Composite Portland Cement) in Morocco — contains at least 65% clinker supplemented by additions (limestone, slag, pozzolan). It is more economical, greener and widely used for standard construction (CPJ 45, CPJ 55).

What types of Portland cement are available in Morocco?

In Morocco, the NM 10.1.004 standard distinguishes three main qualities of Composite Portland cement: CPJ 35 (35 MPa) for masonry and non-structural work, CPJ 45 (45 MPa) for standard reinforced concrete, slabs and foundations, and CPJ 55 (55 MPa) for major civil engineering works and coastal areas. Dakhla Aménagement produces CPJ 45 and CPJ 55 at its Dakhla grinding plant.

What is the price of Portland cement in Morocco?

The price of Portland cement in Morocco starts at 70 DH per 50 kg bag (CPJ 45) and 75 DH per bag (CPJ 55). In bulk, expect from 1,500 DH/T for CPJ 45 and 1,600 DH/T for CPJ 55 at Dakhla Aménagement. The 1T big bag is available from 1,580 DH/T. Prices are volume-degressive. Request a free quote for a delivered-to-site price.

Is Dakhla Aménagement Portland cement compliant with standards?

Yes, all Composite Portland cements (CPJ 45 and CPJ 55) produced by Dakhla Aménagement comply with the Moroccan standard NM 10.1.004 and the European standard EN 197-1. Each batch is laboratory-tested (compressive strength, fineness, setting time, stability) and conformity certificates are provided on request.

Why choose Portland cement for my construction?

Portland cement is the reference hydraulic binder for reinforced concrete and masonry. Its high mechanical strength, durability, availability and controlled cost make it the optimal choice for the vast majority of construction projects in Morocco: villas, buildings, civil engineering works, slabs, foundations. For specific uses (high temperature, waterproofing, decoration), special cements exist.

Need Portland cement in Morocco?

Free quote within 24h. CPJ 45 from 1,500 DH/T, CPJ 55 from 1,600 DH/T. Bulk, bags and big bag delivery across Southern Morocco and Mauritania.